A horse that once sold for a world-record sum of $16million when he was two years old was euthanized at a Florida farm because of a foot disease.
The Green Monkey was euthanized earlier this year at the age of 14 after its owners determined that it could not overcome laminitis.
Laminitis is a disease usually found in horses who suffer from inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue inside the hoof.
The horse’s owner, Randy Hartley, made the decision to euthanize the animal at his farm in Ocala, Florida.
Green Monkey’s death was first reported by Paulick Report.
Since the horse’s euthanasia, the owners and employees of the farm have been in mourning because of the animal’s significance.
A horse that once sold for a world-record sum of $16million when he was two years old was euthanized at a Florida farm because of a foot disease. The horse, The Green Monkey, is seen above with owner Randy Hartley
‘He had been struggling physically for about four years,’ Hartley said.
‘He had had some laminitis, and we had done everything we could to make him as comfortable as we could.
‘He had gotten better, but then about six months ago it got worse.
‘Everybody was putting (euthanasia) off, but he was basically down more than up and then It became the right thing to do.’
Hartley and his partner, Dean DeRenzo, bought the horse for $425,000 in 2005.
They had no idea just how much of a bargain he was.
‘The whole way home [DeRenzo] asked, “Do you think we paid too much?”
‘I said, “I guess not, we have him now.”
‘When we got him home (to the farm) and turned him out, I said he will be the fastest horse we ever have because he’s just a freak.’
The horse dazzled observers in workouts that he sold for a record $16million in public auction.
It was believed that the horse would yield significant winnings in races, but injuries hobbled his career.
The horse was only able to finish third once in three starts.
The Green Monkey retired with earnings of $10,440.
Hartley and his partner bought a half-interest in The Green Monkey after his retirement.
They brought the horse to stud at their farm in Ocala, where he serviced 40 mares in his first year.
The Green Monkey managed to sire some significant names in horse racing, including Monkey Business, who won the filly Triple Crown in Panama; Kinz Funky Monkey; and Green Doctor.